The 2016 Pet Industry Federation Award winners were announced at a thrilling awards dinner on Tuesday evening at Wokefield Park Hotel near Reading, in front hundreds of pet industry professionals.
Presented by actor and comedian, Chris Barrie, and organised by the Pet Industry Federation (PIF), the Pet Industry Federation Awards recognised entrepreneurial talent, commercial acumen and quality customer service in a range of pet businesses.
Shortlisted companies were mystery shopped and mystery telephoned, and subject to the deliberations of tough judging panels, as part of the process to choose an overall winner.
The 2016 Awards were sponsored by Mars Petcare, Nestle Purina, James Wellbeloved & Royal Canin, The Pet Charity, Natures Menu, PATS, KD Grooming Studio; Chip & PIN Solutions, The Institute of Pet Professionals, Inspired Pet Nutrition and PIF Telecom. PBW News once again supported the event as the media sponsor.
The full list of winners were:
Independent Retailer of the Year – sponsored by Natures Menu
PETSHED LTD
Pet Retail Chain of the Year – sponsored by Natures Menu
PETS CORNER, HEDNESFORD
Manufacturers of the Year – sponsored by PATS
BURNS PET NUTRITION and NATUREDIET
Wholesaler of the Year – sponsored by PATS
PEDIGREE WHOLESALE
Exporter of the Year – sponsored by PIF Telecom
BECO PETS
Grooming Business of the Year – sponsored ROYAL CANIN and James Wellbeloved
VITA CANIS
Kennel/Cattery of the Year – sponsored by Nestle Purina
ORCHARD END KENNEL & CATTERY
Pet Services – Doggy Day Care & Boarding – sponsored by Chip & Pin Solutions
BRUCE’S DOGGY DAYCARE
Pet Services – other pet services – sponsored by KD Grooming Studio
PET BEREAVEMENT SERVICE, BLUE CROSS
Sales Rep of the Year – sponsored by Mars Petcare
BECKY LAMBERT (BECO PETS)
Lifetime Achievement of the Year – sponsored by Inspired Pet Nutrition
STEVE FOWLER
The Awards took place against the backdrop of the Pet Industry Forum, which was packed with a fantastic line-up of a range business speakers whose presentations were often insightful and interactive. Crammed with helpful tips, hints, networking opportunities and passionate debates; this was not one to be missed.
PIF Chief Executive, Nigel Baker said: "This year’s sell-out Pet Industry Forum was lively, controversial and tackled some of the most pressing issues affecting our industry today.
"We were delighted with the turnout and the participation from delegates to make it one of the most memorable Forum events to date. PIF is very appreciative for the generous support of all our sponsors and speakers, as well as the participation of stakeholders from all corners of the pet industry.
"As the UK’s trade association for all pet business, PIF is already looking at how it can push the industry to take forward some of the ideas which emerged at the Forum to ensure that the pet industry continues to grow and thrive."
